Managing Attorney - Asylum and Detention

Position Overview  

NMILC has an immediate opening for a Managing Attorney who will lead and manage the Asylum and Detention Program, a growing team that currently consists of two attorneys, one paralegal, one legal assistant, and dozens of volunteers.
The Asylum and Detention Program Managing Attorney will oversee legal programs; supervise members of the team; guide day-to-day operations, including grant management; liaison with external partners and funders; carry a
limited caseload; provide immigration law technical assistance; and work with NMILC’s Managing Attorneys, Director of Immigration Legal Services Practice, Director of Policy and Coalition Building, and Leadership Team to carry out the organization’s mission.     

 

NMILC’s Asylum and Detention Program offers free immigration legal services to asylum seekers in removal proceedings and to individuals detained at the immigration detention centers in New Mexico. NMILC’s Asylum and Detention Team provides direct representation, know-your-rights presentations, rapid response for community arrests, individual intakes, pro se workshops, pro bono referrals, and actively engages in advocacy to advance justice for asylum seekers, detained individuals, and end immigration detention. 

 

Responsibilities:  

 

• Program Leadership—serve as a leader to the growing team, including leading team meetings, helping create a culture of inclusivity and support, and identifying opportunities for advancement; manage program contracts and grants; oversee reporting requirements; serve as a communicator and bridge between the program and the larger organization; identify and support development efforts; identify and resource systems building; and ensure compliance to all relevant policies and procedures. 

• Supervision of Staff—directly supervise immediate team leads (training, reviewing work product, providing guidance on case management, and conducting annual reviews), as well as provide supervision and mentorship for those on the team who are supervising others. Provide effective oversight of workflow and program obligations and oversee the development of unified legal materials and resources. 

• Communication—serve as a representative on behalf of NMILC’s Asylum and Detention Program, with community partners, government stakeholders, media, and others.   

• Direct Representation & Technical Assistance—carry a very limited caseload, including being available to co-counsel and provide support to program attorneys. Provide specialized training and individual technical assistance on detained removal defense to community members, government agencies, other nonprofit organizations, and social service providers.  

• Pro Bono,
  Law School, and College Program Engagement
  – Develop and maintain relationships with law schools, undergraduate programs, law firms, corporate legal departments, and legal organizations throughout the state, region, and country. Train law students and pro bono attorneys, responding promptly to questions, and providing advice and support as needed. 

 

The ideal candidate:  

• Is an experienced removal defense and asylum attorney who exhibits a deep understanding of how to run an immigration removal defense case (ideally with significant experience representing detained clients) but is now ready step back from 100% direct legal services in order to focus on management, leading a growing program, and mentoring others who are providing direct legal services. 

• Has significant management experience and is skilled at managing others—engages in direct communication, demonstrates empathy, is an active listener, demonstrates excellent problem-solving abilities, understands the importance of constructive feedback, and easily builds trust with colleagues.  

• Is dedicated to client-centered legal representation and will serve as a mentor to the Asylum and Detention Program on how to provide clear and digestible legal advice that empowers clients so they can make educated decisions about how to navigate their immigration cases.    

• Enjoys problem solving and the process of improving systems to facilitate more effective legal advocacy.   

• Understands how to prioritize. The ideal candidate is organized, efficient, and has a keen eye for detail while keeping an eye on the big picture. This person enjoys handling multiple tasks running in parallel and can triage in order to meet time-sensitive deadlines while working for larger goals.   

• Is team-oriented and works in collaboration with NMLIC staff members, clients, and community partners with a focus on advancing NMILC’s mission across all programs.   

• Is committed to human-centered and holistic management practices. 

• Has a strong commitment to serve low-income and underserved communities, with an ability to relate to and communicate with a broad range of clients and colleagues.   

• Acts with courtesy, patience, and poise; is confident speaking to groups; and is excited to share NMILC’s mission with others.   

• Is proficient in Spanish. 

  

Required skills and experience:  

• Admission to any state bar.  

• Minimum of five years representing clients in immigration proceedings.   

• Minimum two years of supervising legal services. 

• Deep dedication to immigration legal services and immigrant justice.  

• Prior experience in the nonprofit sector desired. 

 

Location: 

• This position is based out of NMILC’s office located in Albuquerque, NM but requires frequent travel to the various detention facilities in NM. Clients are represented before the several El Paso Immigration Courts, and before the USCIS office located in Albuquerque, NM.   

Compensation:  

• This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience starting at $100,360.  

• Compensation includes a generous benefits package, including excellent health insurance (100% of individual employee health premium paid by NMILC for the Base Plan and 50% for dependents. Buy-up Plan also available), life insurance, professional liability insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, eligibility to participate in NMILC’s 401(k) retirement plan (with discretionary employer match up to 10% of base salary) and flexible spending plan.  
  

NMILC also recognizes the value of creating an environment of positive work/life balance, acknowledging that investing in staff’s ability to take care of themselves and their families enables them to do their best work. The plan currently includes: 

•  Flexible work schedule and hybrid remote work options. 

• 15 paid vacation days (3 weeks) annually. 

• 1 earned sick leave hour for every 30 hours worked. 

• 
  Company-paid federal holidays in addition to 2 weeks of winter break, 1 week for spring break, and 1 week for summer break, and other days as established in coordination with the local public-school schedule. 

 

 

If this profile calls to you, please send a tailored, authentic cover letter that explains (1) why this mission excites you; and (2) why this particular role is a great fit for you – along with your resume, and list of references. 

   

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.  Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.